For many years we’ve been told to reduce the intake of fat in our diet, but there’s plenty of healthy fats out there that we may be overlooking. As a matter of fact, according to the American Heart Association, in their “Get Healthy” section, they remind us that:

“Eating foods with fat is definitely part of a healthy diet. Just remember to choose foods that provide good fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats) and balance the amount of calories you eat from all foods with the amount of calories you burn. Aim to eat a dietary pattern that emphasizes intake of vegetables, fruits, and whole grains; includes low-fat dairy products, poultry, fish, legumes, non-tropical vegetable oils and nuts; and limits intake of sodium, sweets, sugar sweetened beverages and red meats.”

The New Balance

Another thing we’ve had drilled into our heads over the years is using the food pyramid, but there’s a newer guide for getting a balanced diet through the “My Plate” method. The old pyramid method shows what we should be eating on a daily level, while the newer plate version gives a simpler view of what we should actually be putting onto our plates.

Another key difference is the increase of fruits and vegetables on our “plates,” the decrease of grains and most versions will recommend the consumption of more water. This follows along with the newer superfoods craze that has been sweeping the nation.

More Superfoods

By definition, superfoods are those which are packed with vitamins, nutrients and other important ingredients that are beneficial to our overall health and well being. Usually people first think of greens, fruits and vegetables, but they also include:

Beans and legumes

Berries, especially blueberries

Eggs

Nuts

Sweet Potatoes

Snacking Society

We’ve become a nation of snackers and it’s actually healthier to eat smaller amounts of food more often throughout the day rather consuming two or three large meals. But it can be very challenging to snack healthier since we’ve become more accustomed to eating things like chips and other unhealthy go-to foods. The key here is choice, instead of grabbing a candy bar, opt for a handful of nuts. Rather that buying a bag of greasy potato chips, try some healthier alternatives like Rhythm Superfoods kale chips or broccoli bites that actually come in almost as many flavors as their fattier their less healthy counterparts.

When spring and summer are in the air, there’s dozens of fresh fruits and vegetables available for a quick afternoon pick-me-up. But don’t let the warmer months be the only time you opt for these healthier choices since there’s plenty of year-round favorites to chose from, everything from apples and oranges, to broccoli and snow peas.

Making Other Choices

Even though fresh is best, there’s still dried, canned, frozen and a plethora of different juices derived from fruits and vegetables.

Be creative with your meals and snacks. Eating healthy doesn’t mean you can’t still enjoy your favorite foods. Cut down on unhealthy choices and simply make better meals and snacks. Your body and mind will thank you in the long run.